Powerful gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
